Eastern Suburbs Scale Modelling Club Pat McCumiskey's 1/35 Academy / Legend M60 Diorama.

.: Pat McCumiskey's 1/35 Academy / Legend M60 Diorama.

Evolution best describes the development of the M60A1 Patton tank. Inspired by the M26 Pershing and a direct descendent of the M46/M47/M48 development process, the M60 was designed to counter the heavily-armed Russian T-54 of the mid-fifties.

Resembling an M48, the M60 carried more fire power in the form of a 105 mm cannon and had a greater range due to its diesel engine. In addition, the turret was completely redesigned into a more elongated shape. The rangefinder mechanism was changed from the troublesome stereoscopic variety to a much better coincidence rangefinder. The basic shape of the hull was modified to give greater armor protection in the frontal area.

The recent addition of passive armor has made the M60A1 into a highly effective main battle tank with superior defensive armor. Proven in action by the Israeli army, the US Army designed its own reactive armor system that can be mounted on the Patton. When hit by an enemy round, larger than a rifle bullet, the passive armor explodes, deflecting the incoming cannon or grenade projectile. Of course, being expendable, any "used" passive armor blocks must be replaced before seeing any action again.

The M60A1 Patton carries a crew of four men; is armed with a 105 mm cannon, one 50 caliber machine gun and one 7.62 mm machine gun. It can travel at a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour and has a range of 300 miles. Weighing a 102,000 pounds when combat ready, The Patton definitely meets the qualification for a heavy tank.

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